Staying A Child

Parenting is a great process. In many ways, we as parents grow up in the process of parenting our children. Many of us are forced to give up our childish, selfish ways. There is nothing like parenting to expose how immature, self-absorbed, unkind, and many other less-than-wonderful attitudes and behaviors we might express. We all die to ourselves in parenting, which is good.

One of the important things to remember when you are parenting is that you are still a child. Don’t get defensive. I know you are being more responsible, etc., etc., but our heavenly Father only has children, not adults. You and I are always children of God.

It’s important to pay your bills, tithe, serve others, and be a great parent, but never, never lose your child's likeness to live a life of wonder at all the Father does for us—how He provides for us, how He leads us, how He protects us, and how He celebrates our lives as much as we celebrate the lives and accomplishments of our children. Take a walk outside and thank Him for the trees, grass, stars, and the very air you breathe.

A great gift you give to your children is staying childlike. I am unashamedly in love with my Father God. I am open about my gratitude, and my family knows this. It’s important that we laugh, play, have adventures, and share the Father relationship we have with God.

I have been blessed to have so many titles in my life, indicating I am an adult; however, my favorite title is Child of God. As you parent, rid yourself of childishness, but never rid yourself of being a child of God.

Questions:

1. As a parent, what childish behavior did you become aware of?

2 What do you do when you act childish with your children?

3. How do you stay a Child of God in the process of parenting?